Arpent to Pace Converter
Convert arpents to paces with our free online length converter.
Quick Answer
1 Arpent = 76.733596 paces
Formula: Arpent Γ conversion factor = Pace
Use the calculator below for instant, accurate conversions.
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All conversion formulas on UnitsConverter.io have been verified against NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) guidelines and international SI standards. Our calculations are accurate to 10 decimal places for standard conversions and use arbitrary precision arithmetic for astronomical units.
Arpent to Pace Calculator
How to Use the Arpent to Pace Calculator:
- Enter the value you want to convert in the 'From' field (Arpent).
- The converted value in Pace will appear automatically in the 'To' field.
- Use the dropdown menus to select different units within the Length category.
- Click the swap button (β) to reverse the conversion direction.
How to Convert Arpent to Pace: Step-by-Step Guide
Converting Arpent to Pace involves multiplying the value by a specific conversion factor, as shown in the formula below.
Formula:
1 Arpent = 76.7336 pacesExample Calculation:
Convert 10 arpents: 10 Γ 76.7336 = 767.336 paces
Disclaimer: For Reference Only
These conversion results are provided for informational purposes only. While we strive for accuracy, we make no guarantees regarding the precision of these results, especially for conversions involving extremely large or small numbers which may be subject to the inherent limitations of standard computer floating-point arithmetic.
Not for professional use. Results should be verified before use in any critical application. View our Terms of Service for more information.
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View all Length conversions βWhat is a Arpent and a Pace?
The Arpent is a historical French unit used primarily for measuring land area, but also sometimes used as a unit of length. As a unit of length, the arpent typically referred to the side length of a square arpent of land.
Its precise length varied significantly by region and time period in France and its colonies. A commonly cited value, particularly associated with the arpent de Paris, is based on 180 French feet (pieds du Roi), which equates to approximately:
- 58.47 meters (m)
- 191.8 feet (ft)
Other variations existed, such as the arpent commun (based on 200 French feet, ~64.97 m) and the arpent d'ordonnance (based on 220 French feet, ~71.47 m).
The Pace is a unit of length based on the distance covered by a human step. Its definition is highly variable and depends heavily on context, often referring to either a single step or a double step.
- Single Step Pace: Often informally estimated as the distance from the heel of one foot to the heel of the next foot in a normal walking stride. Common estimations range from 2.5 to 3 feet (ft) or approximately 0.75 to 0.9 meters (m). This is sometimes simply called a 'step' or 'stride'.
- Double Step Pace (Roman Pace): Historically, the most significant definition was the Roman passus, which measured the distance from the heel of one foot to the point where the same foot touches the ground again (i.e., two steps). This was standardized as 5 Roman feet, roughly 1.48 meters or 4.86 feet.
Due to its inherent variability and dependence on individual gait and terrain, the pace is not a standardized unit for precise measurement.
Note: The Arpent is part of the imperial/US customary system, primarily used in the US, UK, and Canada for everyday measurements. The Pace belongs to the imperial/US customary system.
History of the Arpent and Pace
The term "arpent" likely derives from the Gaulish arepennis, meaning "end of a field," suggesting its origins relate to agricultural land measurement, possibly representing the amount of land that could be plowed in a day. It became a fundamental unit for land surveying in France during the medieval period and remained in use until the adoption of the metric system following the French Revolution.
- Regional Variations: Before standardization efforts, the length (and thus area) of the arpent varied considerably across different regions of France. Key variations included:
- Arpent de Paris: Based on a perche (rod) of 18 pieds du Roi (French feet), with the linear arpent (side of the square) being 10 perches, totaling 180 pieds (~58.47 m). The area was 32,400 square pieds.
- Arpent Commun: Based on a perche of 20 pieds, linear arpent of 200 pieds (~64.97 m). Area: 40,000 square pieds.
- Arpent d'Ordonnance (or Arpent des Eaux et ForΓͺts): Based on a perche of 22 pieds, linear arpent of 220 pieds (~71.47 m). Area: 48,400 square pieds. Used primarily for royal forests.
- Colonial Usage: The arpent was exported to French colonies, notably:
- New France (Quebec, Canada): The arpent de Paris became the standard for land grants along the St. Lawrence River, shaping the characteristic long, narrow farm plots (rangs).
- Louisiana (USA): The French arpent (usually the arpent de Paris) was used for land measurement before and sometimes after the Louisiana Purchase. Its legacy persists in land titles and some place names.
- Metrication: The metric system officially replaced the arpent and other traditional units in France in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, though its use lingered in practice and historical records.
The pace is one of the most ancient and intuitive units of length, used across numerous cultures due to its direct link to human locomotion.
- Ancient Rome: The Romans formalized the passus (double step) as 5 pedes (Roman feet). This unit was fundamental to their system, with 1000 passus forming the Roman mile (mille passus), which heavily influenced the definition of the mile in later systems.
- Military Usage: Throughout history, armies used paces (both single and double) for marching cadence, estimating distances, and measuring fortifications or camp layouts. Standardized step lengths were often drilled.
- Informal Measurement: Before widespread standardized rulers and tapes, pacing was a common way for individuals to estimate lengths and distances for land, construction, or travel.
The pace gradually fell out of official use with the rise of standardized systems like the Imperial system (feet, yards) and the Metric system (meters), which offered greater precision and consistency.
Common Uses and Applications: arpents vs paces
Explore the typical applications for both Arpent (imperial/US) and Pace (imperial/US) to understand their common contexts.
Common Uses for arpents
The Arpent (both linear and area) is now largely obsolete for practical measurement but remains historically significant:
- Historical Land Surveys: Essential for interpreting old maps, deeds, and land grants in France, Quebec, Louisiana, and other areas formerly under French control (e.g., parts of the US Midwest like Missouri, Illinois, Indiana).
- Legal Context: Land descriptions in some regions may still reference original measurements in arpents, requiring conversion for modern understanding.
- Historical Research: Understanding the arpent is crucial for historians studying agriculture, settlement patterns, and land tenure systems in French history and its colonial contexts.
- Unit of Area: While this page focuses on the length, the arpent is more commonly known and encountered as a unit of area (the square arpent).
When to Use paces
While obsolete for official measurements, the pace still finds some use:
- Rough Estimation: Used informally to get a quick approximation of distances, such as the length of a room, a garden plot, or walking distances in hiking or orienteering.
- Military & Marching Bands: Concepts related to pace length and cadence remain relevant in drilling and formation marching.
- Historical Context: Understanding the pace (especially the Roman passus) is crucial for interpreting historical texts, military accounts, and measurements related to ancient structures or distances.
- Exercise & Fitness: Step counters (pedometers) measure activity in terms of steps, which are essentially single paces.
Additional Unit Information
About Arpent (arpent)
Is the Arpent a unit of length or area?
The Arpent is primarily known as a unit of area, representing a specific parcel of land. However, a linear arpent also exists, defined as the side length of a square whose area is one arpent. This page focuses on the linear arpent. The relationship is direct: Area Arpent = (Linear Arpent)Β². Because the linear arpent varied, the area also varied.
Where is the Arpent still relevant?
The Arpent is not used for everyday measurements today. Its relevance is almost entirely historical and legal:
- Quebec (Canada): Crucial for understanding historical land division and property lines, especially the seigneurial system.
- Louisiana (USA): Important for interpreting land titles dating back to the French colonial period.
- France: Relevant for historical studies and understanding old documents.
- Other former French territories: May appear in historical records (e.g., Mauritius, parts of the US Midwest).
How long is a linear Arpent?
There is no single value, as it varied regionally. Common historical values include:
- Arpent de Paris: ~180 French feet β 58.47 meters β 191.8 feet (Most common in Quebec & Louisiana)
- Arpent Commun: ~200 French feet β 64.97 meters β 213.2 feet
- Arpent d'Ordonnance: ~220 French feet β 71.47 meters β 234.5 feet (Note: The French foot, pied du Roi, was slightly longer than the English foot, approx. 32.48 cm or 12.79 inches).
How does the linear Arpent compare to a Meter or Foot?
- The most common linear arpent (~58.47 m) is significantly longer than a meter. (1 Arpent β 58.47 m)
- It is also much longer than a foot. (1 Arpent β 191.8 ft)
Is the Arpent an SI unit?
No, the Arpent is not an SI unit. It is a traditional unit from the French system of measurements. The SI base unit for length is the meter (m), and the SI unit for area is the square meter (mΒ²).
About Pace (pace)
How long is a pace?
There is no single standard length for a "pace".
- An informal single step pace is often estimated at 2.5 to 3 feet (0.75 to 0.9 meters).
- The historical Roman pace (passus) was a double step, standardized at 5 Roman feet (approx. 1.48 meters or 4.86 feet). Always clarify which definition is being used.
What is the difference between a pace and a Roman pace?
A "pace" is ambiguous. It can mean a single step (variable length, ~2.5-3 ft) or a double step. The Roman pace (passus) specifically refers to the double step standardized at 5 Roman feet (~1.48 m).
What is the difference between a pace and a step or stride?
Often, "step" or "stride" refers to the distance covered by a single movement of one foot forward (heel-to-heel or toe-to-toe). "Pace" can mean this, but it can also refer to the Roman double step (passus). The ambiguity makes "step" or "stride" slightly clearer when referring to a single foot movement.
How many paces are in a mile?
This depends on the definition of "pace":
- Using the Roman pace (passus): The Roman mile (mille passus) was defined as 1000 paces (double steps).
- Using an informal single step pace: If we estimate a single step pace at 2.5 feet, a statute mile (5280 feet) would contain 5280 / 2.5 = 2112 single paces. If estimated at 3 feet, it would be 5280 / 3 = 1760 single paces. This is highly approximate.
Is the pace an SI unit?
No, the pace is not an SI unit. It is an ancient, non-standardized, anthropomorphic unit. The SI unit for length is the meter (m).
Is the pace still used today?
The pace is not used for any official, scientific, or trade measurements today due to its lack of standardization. Its use is confined to informal distance estimation, historical study, and contexts like military drilling or fitness tracking (as steps).
Conversion Table: Arpent to Pace
| Arpent (arpent) | Pace (pace) |
|---|---|
| 0.5 | 38.367 |
| 1 | 76.734 |
| 1.5 | 115.1 |
| 2 | 153.467 |
| 5 | 383.668 |
| 10 | 767.336 |
| 25 | 1,918.34 |
| 50 | 3,836.68 |
| 100 | 7,673.36 |
| 250 | 19,183.399 |
| 500 | 38,366.798 |
| 1,000 | 76,733.596 |
People Also Ask
How do I convert Arpent to Pace?
To convert Arpent to Pace, enter the value in Arpent in the calculator above. The conversion will happen automatically. Use our free online converter for instant and accurate results. You can also visit our length converter page to convert between other units in this category.
Learn more βWhat is the conversion factor from Arpent to Pace?
The conversion factor depends on the specific relationship between Arpent and Pace. You can find the exact conversion formula and factor on this page. Our calculator handles all calculations automatically. See the conversion table above for common values.
Can I convert Pace back to Arpent?
Yes! You can easily convert Pace back to Arpent by using the swap button (β) in the calculator above, or by visiting our Pace to Arpent converter page. You can also explore other length conversions on our category page.
Learn more βWhat are common uses for Arpent and Pace?
Arpent and Pace are both standard units used in length measurements. They are commonly used in various applications including engineering, construction, cooking, and scientific research. Browse our length converter for more conversion options.
For more length conversion questions, visit our FAQ page or explore our conversion guides.
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All Length Conversions
Other Length Units and Conversions
Explore other length units and their conversion options:
- Meter (m) β’ Arpent to Meter
- Kilometer (km) β’ Arpent to Kilometer
- Hectometer (hm) β’ Arpent to Hectometer
- Decimeter (dm) β’ Arpent to Decimeter
- Centimeter (cm) β’ Arpent to Centimeter
- Millimeter (mm) β’ Arpent to Millimeter
- Inch (in) β’ Arpent to Inch
- Foot (ft) β’ Arpent to Foot
- Yard (yd) β’ Arpent to Yard
- Mile (mi) β’ Arpent to Mile
Verified Against Authority Standards
All conversion formulas have been verified against international standards and authoritative sources to ensure maximum accuracy and reliability.
National Institute of Standards and Technology β Official US standards for length measurements
Bureau International des Poids et Mesures β International System of Units official documentation
Last verified: December 3, 2025